Text:
Genesis 37:3-8;23-25
Memory Verse:
“But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him” (Genesis 37:4).
Our thoughts are always linked up with our emotions and this spurs us into taking action. Joseph’s brothers entertained evil thoughts about him and would have killed him. So, when they saw a chance to sell him into slavery, they did not hesitate (Genesis 37:25).
Our emotions start with our thinking. There are two parts of the human that are involved- the amygdala and the frontal lobe. Our thoughts send some chemicals to our bodies and as they flow we begin to have the primary emotions which, if left unchecked, will develop into secondary emotions. In Proverbs 12:25a we read, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression.” Anxiety or worry can lead to depression and resentment can lead to anger, violence or murder, if it is left unchecked. No wonder Jesus had much to say about the things that are in the heart of a man, which eventually come out of his mouth (Matthew 12:34).
We can take the following steps to control our emotions:
1. Read and meditate on the word of God.
2. Do not react to provocation or criticism immediately.
3. Write down the things you want to focus on and review them constantly.
4. Always pray about your feelings before you act.
5. Give more room to the Holy Spirit in your life, so that He can guide you.
Remember that self- control is a fruit of the Spirit. Pursue it.
Prayer Points:
1. Help me, Lord, not to be controlled by my emotions.
2. Give me the grace to think about things that are pure and lovely.
